Ground cover promotes enhanced bat activity in high-value insular vineyards

Vineyards represent a significant portion of global agricultural land. However, their conventional management, which relies on synthetic inputs and intensive cultivation, often reduces habitat complexity, impacting biodiversity and reducing ecosystem services such as pest control. Inter-row grass cover has been proposed as a management strategy to enhance biodiversity, but its effects on insectivorous bats – key providers of pest suppression – remain unexplored. We investigated the influence of inter-row grass cover on bat activity in the vineyards of Pantelleria (Italy), a Mediterranean island where agriculture must balance productivity with environmental sustainability. We conducted acoustic surveys across 18 vineyards, comparing bat activity between grass-covered and cleared inter-rows. We recorded 3240 bat passes from seven species, with Pipistrellus kuhlii being the most frequently detected. Our results indicate that inter-row grass cover significantly increases P. kuhlii activity, likely due to enhanced habitat complexity and prey availability. Plecotus gaisleri activity increased with vineyard area, suggesting better foraging conditions in larger vineyards . Species richness and the remaining bat species were unaffected by inter-row management. Maintaining inter-row grass cover can benefit P. kuhlii , the species most frequently hunting in Pantelleria vineyards, offering a potential win-win strategy for biodiversity and agricultural sustainability. To promote inter-row grass cover while minimising competition affecting vine growth and productivity, we recommend restricting mowing, weed removal, and hoeing to the vine base and planting basin while maintaining grass cover between rows. Rotational mowing, selecting native plants, and preserving hedgerows can enhance bat habitat. Mowing outside peak insect activity and engaging vineyard owners may further support biodiversity and productivity. • We surveyed bats in Pantelleria vineyards with different inter-row management. • Inter-row grass cover increases Pipistrellus kuhlii activity in vineyards. • Larger vineyards provide better foraging conditions for Plecotus gaisleri . • Species richness and other bats were unaffected by inter-row management. • Maintaining grass cover can benefit bats and support agricultural sustainability.